Epson WF-7720 Missing Lines + Refill 252XL Cartridges: Best Fixes, Ink Choices, and What You Actually Need

Question:
I have an Epson Workforce WF-7720 that's giving me trouble. My prints have missing lines, and the built-in nozzle cleaning helped but didn't fully fix it. Is there a reliable method to restore the printhead (I saw a workflow chart and a script online)? Should I use an anti-clogging fluid or cleaning solution with a syringe, or does this mean the printhead needs replacement?

Also, once the printhead is working, I want to stop buying expensive cartridges and start refilling Epson 252XL cartridges. What ink type should I buy, what tools do I need, and do I need a page-count resetter or special equipment? Do you sell refillable cartridges for this model? I saw clear non-OEM cartridges in a video but couldn't find them on your website. If there are other tools that make refilling and maintenance easier, I'd love suggestions-maybe even a starter kit.

Answer:

Part 1: Missing lines on the WF-7720 - what it usually means

"Missing lines" almost always points to one (or a combination) of the following:

1. Partial nozzle clogs (most common)

2. Air in the ink path (common after cartridge changes, low ink, or imperfect seals)

3. Cartridge venting issue (a cartridge can't breathe, so ink flow is inconsistent)

4. Wiper/capping station issues (maintenance station isn't sealing or cleaning properly, so the head dries out)

5. Electrical/printhead failure (least common, but possible-usually persistent missing nozzles that never recover)

Because your nozzle cleaning improved it somewhat, that strongly suggests clogging or ink delivery/venting, not an outright dead printhead.

What to do before you jump to syringes or printhead replacement

For a WF-7720, the safest progression is:

1) Run a nozzle check and document which colors are missing

This matters because:

• If a single color is missing, it's often that cartridge/port/vent.

• If multiple colors are missing intermittently, you may be dealing with drying/capping station issues or air intrusion.

2) Do fewer cleanings, not more

It's counterintuitive, but repeated cleanings in a short time can:

• overheat the head,

• waste a lot of ink into the waste pads,

• and sometimes make performance worse by pulling more air or stressing the system.

A better approach is one cleaning, then let it rest (so the moisture in the cap station can soften dried ink), then test again.

3) Check cartridge venting (this is huge with refilling and compatibles)

Epson cartridges require proper venting. If the vent is sealed, blocked, or incorrectly opened, you can see:

• missing lines,

• colors that fade in/out,

• or improvement right after cleaning followed by rapid decline.

With OEM cartridges the venting is usually correct, but with refilled/compatible carts, vent mistakes are common.

4) About flushing with a syringe: use caution

Using a syringe or forcing cleaning fluid through ink ports can work in some cases, but it also carries risk:

• Too much pressure can delaminate internal membranes or damage the head.

• Improper fluid can swell seals or leave residues.

• If you push debris into the wrong place, you can trade a clog for a permanent failure.

So yes-cleaning solution/anti-clog fluid can help, but the technique matters a lot, and it's not always the safest "first move."

5) When a printhead replacement becomes likely

Printhead replacement is usually considered when:

• The same nozzles are permanently missing across many cycles and rest periods,

• you've confirmed the cartridge is venting and supplying ink properly,

• and the maintenance station is working properly (good seal, proper capping, not dry/contaminated).

On the WF-7720, printhead replacement is generally not the first recommendation, because many "missing line" issues are maintenance/ink-delivery related rather than a failed head.

Part 2: Refilling Epson 252XL - the simplest, most reliable route

Now for your refill plan-this is where your proposed approach is spot-on:

The most practical starting point is to buy a quality set of refillable cartridges for Epson 252/252XL from a reputable seller (commonly found on eBay).
A good seller typically provides:

• the correct cartridge style for your WF-7720,

• fill instructions,

• and often the right style of chip solution (auto-reset chip or compatible chip set).

That's why I usually recommend this route first-because compatibility and chip behavior can vary between batches, and a seller specializing in that cartridge type will often have the most up-to-date working inventory and instructions.

Do you need a resetter for 252XL?

It depends on the cartridge solution you use:

• Refillables with auto-reset chips: usually no external resetter needed.

• Some refillables/compatibles: may require a chip resetter or may need you to swap chips.

• Refilling OEM 252XL cartridges: often becomes a chip-management problem-some setups let you refill physically, but the printer still thinks the cartridge is empty unless the chip is reset or replaced.

So, yes, chip/reset needs are real-but they depend on the cartridge system you choose.

Ink type: what you should buy for WF-7720

The WF-7720 uses Epson's pigment-based system for these cartridges. For best results, you generally want:

• Pigment ink formulated specifically for Epson Workforce / 252 series compatibility

Avoid "universal" inks when possible. The wrong viscosity or pigment load can increase clogging risk and cause poor line quality. Pigment ink also tends to settle over time-so gentle shaking (as instructed by the ink maker) and consistent printing habits help.

Tools you'll typically need (keep it simple at first)

A realistic starter setup looks like:

• Refillable 252/252XL cartridge set (from a reputable seller)

• Matching pigment ink bottles for the correct colors

• Syringes + blunt-tip needles (usually included, but not always)

• Gloves, paper towels, and a small spill tray (it gets messy fast)

• Optional but helpful: a priming tool or instructions for priming (some refillables need initial priming)

If you want to keep it truly beginner-friendly, buy a refillable set where the seller provides a clear refill method and chip guidance.

About the "clear cartridges" you saw in a video

Those clear cartridges are typically third-party refillables. Availability changes constantly because:

• sellers rotate stock,

• chip versions change,

• and compatibility batches come and go.

That's another reason I recommend sourcing a known-working refillable set from a current listing where the seller confirms WF-7720 / 252XL compatibility and includes instructions.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems, and small details (like venting, priming, or ink flow) can completely change what the right fix is. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. For that reason, we strongly recommend self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage: BCH Technologies YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics, and after creating videos over the past nine years, it's difficult to remember every single one. Using YouTube's search function is usually the fastest approach-and YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other channels that fit your exact symptom.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting our work. I hope this points you in a clear direction: fix the missing lines methodically first, then move to a quality refillable 252XL cartridge set (often easiest via eBay) with the matching ink and instructions to get you started smoothly.